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IP (or other) protection requirements for electrical equipment
Rank: New forum user
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Hi there
I've recently paid a visit to a workshop where they have an area dedicated to metal work - limited to cutting, grinding and MIG welding of steel to create temporary structures. From a fire/hot work perspective I'm relatively happy as it is a well managed space with very few combustible materials around and has designated areas for cutting, grinding and welding away from any pipework. However, within the space there is a wide variation in the protection of electrical equipment - some switches are IP rated 65, some 67, some none at all, some lights are fully enclosed (again presumably IP rated but I couldn't get close enough to check) and some are not.
This doesn't look right to me - either everything needs to be protected against various hazards to certain standards or it doesn't.
So, my question, given that I've not had to deal with this subject for a while, and my memory isn't what it used to be, is - what standard of protection is required for electrical switches, equipment and lighting fittings in an area where this kind of metal work is being carried out?
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Rank: Forum user
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I would be happy with metal clad sockets and accessories. Thats been the nom for a long time, and aslong as they cables enter via an appropriate gland or conduit etc the integrirty will be maintained.
The other preference, would be to hard wire them in via appropriate joint boxes and isolators, removing the plug and socket element totally.
Plastic IP65 such as MK master seal are ok but cant withstand the knocks in service, they also require the lid to be closed which rarely happens.
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Rank: Super forum user
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the first numeral of the IP rating refers to the ingress of solid objects and the second to ingress of water.
6 relates to the ingress of dust - the equipment is dust tight.
5 relates to water jetting and 7 temporary immersion.
For a welding bay this sounds fine and the discrepancy would not concern me.
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Rank: New forum user
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Jane/Tony
thanks for the responses, very helpful! I think my answer to them will be not to worry. Jane, the IP ratings are interesting, I had been scratching my head for a while about these as I'm not sure why the fittings would need to be protected against temporary immersion given that they're all wall mounted!
thanks again!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Anything above IP4x or 5x should be suitable, as long as the IK rating is acceptable also.
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